Finding a Passion for Fishing after Divorce

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I am a female bass angler. It’s what I do and what I love! I started fishing about four years ago after my divorce.

Dedication and Practice

With many hours alone, this single mother needed something inexpensive to occupy her time. I went to the local sporting goods store and bought my first rod and reel combo (a Mitchell spinning reel and an Ugly-Stik). I watched YouTube to learn how to put line on it and tied a crawdad looking crankbait to the end.

Before dinner every night I would drag my children to the local pond and fish for an hour or two. On the weekends I would wade the river sometimes for eight hours trying to catch smallmouth bass. I discovered the tranquility of the outdoors to be unbeatable!

The Comraderie

I met a lot of great people along the way who offered their experiences and knowledge, and I read all the information I could find. I learned that bass are sneaky creatures who live in the thickest underwater brush they can find or rocks out in the middle of the water.

Somehow I had to get a lure in there and make it look appetizing enough to eat, so I began jig fishing. To accomplish this, I bought a baitcaster and practiced for two months during the winter. In my region bass feed hardcore in early spring and late fall, so by spring I was ready for them!

Getting in the Game

I made good friends with a local tournament angler who took me under his wing and taught me everything I needed to know about lake fishing. From that point on, the quality and size of my bass began improving.

I took notes to remember when the bass were biting and on what. I watched the baitfish to determine the correct lure to use, and even discovered how the weather can play a critical role on the reaction of feeding bass.

This led to my first tournament as a “non boater” and I have been hooked ever since!

Tiffany Gibson

When Tiffany isn't out fishing you can follow (or tweet her) @shebassfishes.